Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of Parkinson's disease: the experience of the Neurosurgical Department in Monza

Deep brain stimulation is a widely accepted surgical therapy for the symptomatic treatment of advanced parkinson's disease; high frequency chronic stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus proved its efficacy to control the major motor symptoms. In the neurosurgical department of Monza we treated 72 parkinsonian patients (November 1998-January 2003). One year follow-up results are: decrease of tremor 90%, hypertonous 56%, bradykinesia 70%, voice impairment amelioration 30%, mean total daily L-dopa intake reduced 58%. Freezing and balance did not ameliorate, some voice impairment and psychic derangement have been observed. Major surgical complications were: haemorrage (1 case - transient hemiparesis), infections (2 cases), pulmonary embolisation (1 case). To optimise the surgical results, careful clinical and instrumental selection of the patients are mandatory before surgery.